Hello All,

We are looking to upgrade our 1999 Tahoe to a 2007 Tahoe LTZ (5.3L V8).  The 99 Tahoe seemed to struggle pulling our 2003 202BR.  Will the newer tahoe with the 5.3L do the trick and provide the pulling power, we need?  We are going to look at it this afternoon. 

Ideally, I think we'd get a Crew-Cab Diesel pick-up, but with the cost of diesel, the extra expense, and the practicality of a family vehicle, a new Tahoe seems like a good compromise.

Thoughts?

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"Mother Hen"
2003 202BR
Vancouver, WA

Heath,

The 2007 Tahoe should be a great tow vehicle for you.  I had a 2004 with the 5.3L and we towed our 202BR without any issues.  We also towed our 236LS up to Lake Cumberland.  That's when I decided it was time to upgrade to the diesel.

 I think you'll be very happy with the Tahoe.

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If you like Chevrolet, why not try a compromise with an Avalanche? The towing capacity is better but still is a family friendly vehicle. I pull a 200LS with a 5.7L Hemi Durango with no problem. It has great torque and hp. But I know guys who like the Avalanche as a step up for towing capacity without going all out to a truck.

As far as diesel is concerned, don't know about your area, but diesel here is $ .90 more per gallon that regular gas. I am impressed with the new Ford diesel for torque and towing but it isn't that much better than my hemi, plus I would have to go back to a truck. Been there, liked it when I needed it, but I don't.

I haul 200+ miles regularly with the boat and the 5.7 does fine. Don't need a turbo diesel. What I needed was good towing capacity, torque and hp. Got it without going truck. I am looking at the Avalanche, though, for those days I would like to pick up a few bales of hay without towing the utility trailer. 

Bill

'08 200LS 5.0L 

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Bill Cook
Saratoga Springs, NY
Charleston Lake, On
'08 200LS 5.0L

Thanks for the input.  We do like Chevy - have had our 1999 for 7 years with just the usual repairs.  I haven't driven the Avalanche, but we did drive the 2007 Tahoe today - very nice, only 11K miles and asking price is nearly low book. The owners have to move over seas, so its gotta go.   GVWR is 7300lbs and somewhere I saw max trailer weight of 10,000. 

Heath

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"Mother Hen"
2003 202BR
Vancouver, WA

Heath, you'll have to problems at all with a 202BR behind a Tahoe.  I used to tow my 266CCR with a 2003 Tahoe (yeah, it was a bit overloaded), but it did a very respectible job. 

The Tahoe has a max tow rating of about 7400lbs.  Your 202 should be well under that loaded up and ready for the lake. 

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Had a '99 Yukon and can tell you the '07 Tahoe/Yukon with the 320hp 5.3 is a much stronger pulling machine.  You should have no problem.  Mine has the 4.10 rear end that gives me 8,200 lbs capacity.  With the 3.73 I think it's 7,200 which is still plenty for your boat. 

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O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

We have no problems pulling 0ur 200 LS (approx same weight as Ur 202) up & around the hills and mountains here in Ar.                                       Have a 5.3L in a regular cab 06 GMC with 3.73 G.R.

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Larry Schaefer
07 200 LS 5L VP Garnet w/Razor
"PLAYSTATION"
Prestige BTV

Thanks for all the input.  Sounds like this is the right vehicle for towing and for the family... now to find the right deal and sell/trade the 99 Tahoe.  Good tip on gear ratio, too.

Getting ready to get the boat wet here in the NW.  Plan to install the swimplatform this weekend or next, and dewinterize!

Heath

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"Mother Hen"
2003 202BR
Vancouver, WA